Dr. Richard Burton "Mike" Russell's Obituary
RUSSELL, DR. RICHARD BURTON “MIKE” Dr. Russell was born in McKinney, TX. He graduated from North Dallas High School in 1943. He married Mary Frances Ray from Mineola, TX on September 6, 1946. He graduated from his beloved University of Texas in 1947. Dr. Russell served in the Navy during WWII and attended midshipman’s school in New York. He graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1950 and started practicing and then was drafted again and served in the Army during the Korean War. While practicing dentistry for 62 years, Mike Russell had the privilege of treating the World Champion Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks and the World Champion Dallas Sidekicks. He served on the Board of Mary Shiels Hospital. Dr. Russell also had one of the first portable drills that he used to treat homebound patients. For the last 34 years, Dr. Russell practiced dentistry with his son-in-law, David H. Grinsfelder, D.D.S. An avid hunter, gun collector, fisherman, golfer, gambler and crossword puzzle expert. Mike Russell was a long time member of Lakewood Country Club. He was one of the first Marshalls at the Legends of Golf tournament held in Austin. It was the beginning of the Senior Golf Tour. Dr. Mike Russell, also known as “Boppa” loved practicing dentistry because he truly cherished his patients. Boppa was extremely proud of his five children, all different, and yet they share some of the same virtues as their father – integrity, the love of the outdoors and a kind heart. But the love of his life was Mary Frances (Mammy). He won her heart on their first date with this line, “I’m going to give you a kiss, it won’t be a dud, it will be my special Rosebud.” Boppa was fun to be around, loved by so many people, and he will be greatly missed. Your memories will live in us for generations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sally Ione Boorman and L.E. Russell; stepfather, William Morey Neely and brother, Charles Edward Russell. Dr. Russell is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Ray Russell; daughters, Rebecca Alexander and Sally Grinsfelder; sons, Richard B. Russell, Jr., George Russell and Charles Russell and spouses; 17 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00PM, Monday, March 26, 2012 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:00AM at Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 8787 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
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